The Next Phase, a hospital stay!

     Today (Monday) marks one week since I went into the hospital with jaundice and terrible itching.  The bilirubin enzyme in my liver had risen to 11 and are supposed to be under one or zero(?)
I was weak, itching all over and had lots of tests to determine what was going on and how it could be "fixed".   
     My family was rallying around, we had just gotten Home Health through Centra and we were into the next phase of cancer challenges.
      AFter many tests, it was decided that I needed to get the bile out and that would give me some relief.  The cancer journey is such a learning experience.  Modern medicine is amazing and I think that all this learning helps, at least with choosing the right options and going the best direction.
     After the ERCP which is an MRI type test, it was found I had an obstruction in my pancreas.  The tumor was blocking the duct and causing backup of bile which causes the yellow and itching in the skin.  
      So, the docs involved were either the surgeon who felt that he couldn't really see all of the obstruction from the MRI, but the doctor who does Radiology Intervention (?) felt he probably could put a tube through my rib cage and run it through my liver past the tumor to drain the bile out into a bag which I now have attached.  I empty the bag when it gets full.   I am unsure what will happen on Wednesday when I go back to the RI doc's office for the nurse to do something.  Actually I don't know what they will do but I do know it is not invasive.   STay tuned on the next procedure.  
         Just a note on the procedure I had last Thursday.  I laid flat on a table underneath Xray machines and a giant TV screen.   The doc then poked a needle into my rib cage and strung a tube down through my abdomen.  And guess what?   I don't think any Versed was used because I was completely aware of the pain, etc.  Not sure why that was happening.   I was told I would have pain medicine and Versed like in colonoscopies or when they put in the port(?)
          Meanwhile, I came home Saturday  , very tired, happy to be home but rather homebound at the moment.  My kids have been wonderful in taking turns helping with AGustin's support hose, food, wash, errands plus caring for their own families.
          AT the same time, AGustin is also having Home Health come to help take care of his needs since I cannot help.
Unfortunately, medicare only pays for medical needs in the Home Health area.   So, when it is time to cook or clean up, neither of us can do it if it is lifting.   AGustin has a shoulder MRI on Thursday.
       So, I look at our lives and see we are suddenly OLD!!!😆   It happened so fast.   
        I have probably forgotten most of what happened the last week, but I do know and have learned a few things from this experience.
        I have learned God surrounds us with people, places, and opportunities to be thankful.  When we are thankful and go with what is happening to us, He gets us through.  
         When I was in a place I wasn't sure I would get through, God got me through one more time.   I realize that "getting" through is only temporary, but there is relief at the end and that is what we look for.  Relief from pain is what I am talking about.
        I don't want to suffer and I don't  look forward to suffering.  But, thanking God for each little blessing a long the way gets us through and gives us a reward.
        I am back on the new chemo pill called Lynparza, and depending on how it works will determine if I will go on hospice sooner rather than later.   AS long as I am on this pill, I cannot go into hospice.   But, if I don't react well to this pill and it does not shrink the tumor, I guess hospice is the next step.   And God will be with me through that step too!